Smart life in the era of Internet of Things

We may have only learned to embrace the smart home in 2017, but 2018 is shaping up to be the year we finally take our technology to the next level — and let it do all the heavy lifting in our homes. Regardless of whether you've just dabbled or full-on decked out your home, ahead you'll find the products that we're quickly finding we can't live without and highly recommend you try out for yourself. From vacuums to thermostats to lighting and more, it's clear that the sky's the limit when it comes to the many, many tasks you can delegate to your digital assistant. Be sure to check back in here often, as we'll be updating this list as more devices are released over the comingyear.

Amazon Echo Spot

    With all the ease of an Echo and the added bonus of an Echo Show-style screen, the Amazon Echo Spot ($114) is the perfect way to get into the smart-home game and ease yourself into life with a digital assistant.

Nest Cam IQ

    Thanks to the Nest Cam IQ ($299), you never, ever have to worry about what's going on back at home when you're away. Just plug it in, download the easy-to-use app, and voila: you've got an immediate real-time look inside your house no matter where you are.

Nest Thermostat E

    The Nest Thermostat E ($169) is the younger, sexier sibling of the OG Nest devices. This model tops everything that came before: save money, be eco-friendly, and glam up your (very well-heated or cooled) home with this incredibly sleek device.

Nanoleaf Light Panels

    For a full rundown of what the Nanoleaf Light Panels ($229) can do, check out our review, but suffice it to say, it's the sexiest lighting product on the market and a must have for any music-lover looking to glam up their smart home.

Roomba 980

    The highest-end iRobot vacuum on the market, the Roomba 980 ($900) is a must have for anyone looking to see the full power of a robotic-cleaning-fueled smart home. For a full rundown of what the Roomba 980 can do, check out our review

Braava Jet 240

    Retire your Swiffer for good and get the Braava Jet 240 ($170) to mop (and dry sweep) your home, with just a touch in the app. For a full rundown of what the Braava Jet 240 can do, check out our review.

Hue Starter Kit

    Transform any room in your home into a brilliant, colorful light show with the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit ($140), which allows you to tap into your inner creative and light your favorite spaces in the way you've always imagined they deserved.

Logitech Harmony Elite

    The Logitech Harmony Elite ($250) remains my go-to smart-home hub; it lets me take all of my standard, nonsmart products to the next level with controls that are compatible with any digital assistant on the market today.

TP-Link Smart Plug Mini

    The TP-Link Smart Plug Mini ($59) is a must have for anyone who wants the ability to control devices with their voice but doesn't want to go through the hassle of updating all their devices. With just a few quick words (or taps on your phone), you can turn any outlet-based device on and off, instantly transforming the boring into smart (and not breaking the bank while you're at it!).

C by GE Sol

    No smart-home list would be complete without including the product that started me off on this journey to begin with: the C by GE Sol ($150). It's the best smart light you'll ever own, and it's the piece that's always going to start a conversation when someone spots it in your home.

Nightingale Standard Edition

    If you're anything like me, you spend a lot of time thinking about how all the technology in your home is interfering with your sleep. Well, good news has finally arrived: the Nightingale Standard Edition ($149) not only helps you fall asleep more quickly by canceling out other noises in your home, it also makes for a higher quality of sleep once you get there by wrapping you in "sound blankets" that protect you throughout the night.